Portland Trail Blazers at No Mercy

Less than two days before the Portland Trail Blazers begin preseason play against the Sacramento Kings, Trail Blazers basketball stars Channing Frye and rookie point guard Jerryd Bayless enjoyed No Mercy live at Portland's Rose Garden arena.

"There's really nothing as American as WWE," said Frye. "I haven't had the chance to come out to a WWE event in years, so I think it's good for us to get out and enjoy something new at the Rose Garden. It's exciting."

Bayless, the eleventh player chosen in the 2008 NBA Draft, added, "I've been a fan my whole life. I grew up watching The Rock and ‘Stone Cold' Steve Austin, so I definitely wanted to come and check the show out."

Being at No Mercy reminded the players of their youth. The teammates mentioned their favorite Superstars were NWO, Dude Love and WWE Hall of Famers Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan.

"I was a huge fan growing up, but basketball was mainly my thing. Sports-entertainment was too physical for me," stated Frye, with an ear-to-ear grin. "It's a great show and WWE Superstars are great athletes. So, I'm expecting to be entertained every time I come to a live event."

This season, the Trail Blazers look to make a statement in the Western Conference, gunning for an opportunity to reach the NBA Finals. And Bayless believes attending events together goes a long way in building player relationships.

"It's important that we build good chemistry, and coming to events like these definitely help. I'm really excited to be here with Channing," Bayless told WWE.com

During their WWE experience, the star athletes noted the differences and similarities in competing on the hardwood compared to the squared-circle.

"I think sports-entertainment is a little bit different because they're trying to hurt each other and we're just trying to play basketball," Bayless responded with a smile. "Both are definitely entertaining, and a lot of people can get a lot of joy attending both events."